I am an ageing boomer who continues to enjoy checking out new bands. Came of age in the mid-70's so my roots go deep to the magic that started about 1975 - much of what we today call classical rock but also the Clash, Ramones, Talking Heads.
So never heard of the Hold Steady (not sure why not). This was album of the issue in this month's Absolute Sound so sure why not .... well imagine Born to Run Springsteen had already heard Phil Lynott and Thin Lizzy and in america J Geills Band but was also influenced by the guitar roar of Ted Leo and Pharmacists and grew up when Green Day were the rock kings. Amazing channeling of early Springsteen but beware lots of loud guitar that needs to be played loud. I love Dan Bern - if he lost the Dylan jones / understood 70's rock more, wasn't nearly so clever, and turn up the volume a bunch with a blindfold this could be his great album (if you don't know Dan Bern you should). Been listening lots to TV on the Radio which for me sounds totally new and challenging music - this is the opposite - like me deep roots in 70's rock and keep thinking didn't Springsteen do that - wait a minute was that a blinded by the light reference cause baby we were born to run!
Hear they have two more albums. Will be looking this week. Highly recommended.
David
